President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to constitutional reforms aimed at fortifying Nigeria’s democratic institutions, signaling a transformative agenda to deepen governance and address systemic challenges. Speaking through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, during a Public Hearing on the Review of the 1999 Constitution in Abuja, President Tinubu described the ongoing constitutional review as a “golden opportunity” to entrench principles of good governance, inclusivity, and sustainable development. This comprehensive process, he emphasized, aligns seamlessly with his Renewed Hope Agenda, a cornerstone of his administration’s vision for Nigeria’s future.
In his address, President Tinubu underscored the dynamic nature of the Constitution, portraying it not as a rigid or static document but as a living framework that must evolve to reflect the realities, aspirations, and challenges of the Nigerian people. “The Constitution is the supreme law of the land,” he stated. “It is not static, but a living document that must continually respond to the needs and ambitions of our people.” This perspective highlights the administration’s recognition of the need for periodic updates to ensure the Constitution remains relevant in addressing contemporary issues while fostering national unity and progress.
Tinubu lauded the efforts of the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review, chaired by Deputy Speaker Rep. Benjamin Kalu, for its dedication to driving the amendment process. He noted that the committee’s work is a critical step toward realizing the objectives of his Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes transformative governance, economic revitalization, and social inclusion. By aligning the constitutional review with this agenda, the administration seeks to create a governance framework that is responsive, equitable, and capable of addressing Nigeria’s multifaceted challenges.
The Public Hearing, held in Abuja, served as a platform for stakeholders to deliberate on proposed amendments to the 1999 Constitution, which has been the subject of ongoing debates since its adoption. The Constitution, while foundational to Nigeria’s democratic system, has often been criticized for its limitations in addressing issues such as federalism, resource control, and inclusivity. The current review process, therefore, represents a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey, offering an opportunity to address these longstanding concerns and strengthen the country’s governance structures.
House of Representatives Speaker, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, echoed the President’s sentiments, emphasizing the House’s commitment to participatory and inclusive governance. In his remarks, Abbas commended the Constitution Review Committee for adopting a consultative approach, describing the amendment process as a “listening exercise before it becomes a legislative one.” This approach, he noted, ensures that the voices of Nigerians from all walks of life are heard and considered in the reform process. Abbas stressed the urgency of concluding the constitutional review, warning that “reform delayed is reform denied.” His statement underscores the critical need to act swiftly to address the structural and systemic issues that have hindered Nigeria’s democratic progress.
Abbas highlighted several key themes in the proposed amendments, with a particular focus on fostering inclusive governance. One of the most pressing issues he raised was the stark underrepresentation of women in Nigeria’s political sphere. Currently, women hold less than five percent of seats in the National Assembly, a statistic Abbas described as “unacceptable” in a modern democratic society. This low level of representation reflects deep-seated gender disparities in Nigeria’s political landscape, which the proposed amendments aim to address through targeted measures.
Among the proposals to enhance women’s participation in governance are the creation of additional seats in the National Assembly and State Assemblies specifically reserved for women. These seats would ensure that women’s voices are adequately represented in lawmaking processes, enabling them to contribute to shaping policies that affect the nation. Additionally, the amendments propose establishing a minimum threshold for women in ministerial appointments, ensuring that gender equity is prioritized at the highest levels of government. Beyond gender, the reforms also seek to promote representation for persons with disabilities, ensuring that their perspectives are integrated into decision-making processes at all levels of governance.
These measures reflect a broader commitment to inclusivity, a principle that lies at the heart of the constitutional review process. By addressing the marginalization of underrepresented groups, the amendments aim to create a more equitable and representative political system that reflects Nigeria’s diverse population. Abbas emphasized that inclusive governance is not only a moral imperative but also a prerequisite for sustainable development and national cohesion.
Deputy Speaker Rep. Benjamin Kalu, who chairs the Constitution Review Committee, provided further insight into the critical proposals under consideration. A central focus of the amendments is the devolution of powers, a long-standing demand of many Nigerians who have called for a restructuring of the country’s federal system. Kalu highlighted landmark measures aimed at decentralizing governance, including provisions to allow for state and community policing. This proposal responds to growing calls for localized security frameworks to address Nigeria’s complex security challenges, including insurgency, banditry, and communal conflicts.
The introduction of state and community policing is seen as a transformative step toward improving security across the country. By empowering states and local communities to take greater responsibility for their security, the amendments aim to create a more responsive and effective security architecture. This shift is particularly significant in light of Nigeria’s diverse regional dynamics, where a one-size-fits-all approach to security has often proven inadequate.
Another key proposal is the granting of financial and administrative independence to local government areas (LGAs). Local government autonomy has been a contentious issue in Nigeria, with many arguing that the current system, which places LGAs under significant state control, undermines their ability to deliver services effectively. The proposed amendments seek to address this by ensuring that local governments have the resources and authority to function independently, thereby strengthening grassroots governance and development.
Kalu emphasized that these proposals are not arbitrary but are derived directly from the demands and aspirations of Nigerian citizens. “The ultimate authority for this process resides with you, the sovereign people of Nigeria,” he declared, underscoring the participatory nature of the constitutional review. The committee’s approach has been to engage with a wide range of stakeholders, including civil society organizations, traditional leaders, youth groups, and ordinary citizens, to ensure that the amendments reflect the collective will of the people.
The Public Hearing in Abuja was a testament to this commitment to inclusivity, as it provided a platform for Nigerians to contribute their views on the proposed amendments. The event attracted a diverse array of participants, including lawmakers, government officials, civil society representatives, and members of the public, all of whom had the opportunity to share their perspectives on the future of Nigeria’s Constitution. This participatory approach is a significant departure from previous constitutional reviews, which were often criticized for being elitist and disconnected from the needs of ordinary Nigerians.
The constitutional review process comes at a critical juncture in Nigeria’s history, as the country grapples with a range of challenges, including economic hardship, insecurity, and social inequality. The 1999 Constitution, while instrumental in guiding Nigeria’s transition to democracy, has been widely criticized for its limitations in addressing these issues. For instance, the Constitution’s centralized structure has been blamed for stifling regional development and exacerbating tensions over resource allocation. Similarly, its provisions on governance and representation have been seen as inadequate in addressing the needs of Nigeria’s diverse population.
The current review process, therefore, represents an opportunity to address these shortcomings and lay the foundation for a more inclusive and equitable Nigeria. By prioritizing issues such as devolution of powers, local government autonomy, and inclusive representation, the amendments aim to create a governance framework that is responsive to the needs of all Nigerians. This aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to promote unity, economic growth, and social justice.
The focus on devolution of powers is particularly significant in the context of Nigeria’s federal system. For decades, there have been calls for greater decentralization to empower states and local governments to address their unique challenges. The proposed amendments on state and community policing and local government autonomy are steps in this direction, as they seek to shift power away from the federal government and toward subnational entities. This restructuring is expected to enhance governance efficiency, improve service delivery, and foster greater accountability at all levels of government.
Similarly, the emphasis on inclusive governance addresses one of Nigeria’s most persistent challenges: the marginalization of certain groups, particularly women and persons with disabilities. The low representation of women in the National Assembly and other decision-making bodies is a stark reminder of the gender disparities that continue to plague Nigeria’s political system. By creating additional seats for women and setting minimum thresholds for their inclusion in ministerial appointments, the amendments aim to dismantle these barriers and promote gender equity.
The inclusion of persons with disabilities in the proposed amendments is equally significant. Despite making up a significant portion of Nigeria’s population, persons with disabilities have historically been excluded from mainstream political and governance processes. The proposed measures to ensure their representation at all levels of government are a step toward addressing this injustice and creating a more inclusive society.
The constitutional review process is not without its challenges, however. Previous attempts to amend the 1999 Constitution have often been stalled by political disagreements, bureaucratic delays, and a lack of consensus among stakeholders. The current process, while promising, must navigate these obstacles to achieve meaningful reform. The commitment of the House of Representatives, as articulated by Speaker Abbas and Deputy Speaker Kalu, to a participatory and inclusive process is a positive sign that the current review may succeed where others have failed.
Moreover, the success of the constitutional review will depend on the ability of lawmakers to translate the proposed amendments into actionable legislation. This will require not only political will but also a commitment to engaging with Nigerians at every stage of the process. The Public Hearing in Abuja is just one of many steps in this journey, and sustained efforts will be needed to ensure that the final amendments reflect the aspirations of the Nigerian people.
President Tinubu’s administration has made it clear that constitutional reform is a priority, and the ongoing review process is a testament to this commitment. By aligning the amendments with the Renewed Hope Agenda, the administration is signaling its intention to create a governance framework that is inclusive, equitable, and responsive to the needs of all Nigerians. The emphasis on devolution of powers, local government autonomy, and inclusive representation reflects a recognition of the diverse and complex nature of Nigeria’s challenges.
As the constitutional review process moves forward, it will be critical to maintain the momentum generated by the Public Hearing and ensure that the voices of Nigerians continue to shape the outcome. The proposed amendments have the potential to transform Nigeria’s democratic landscape, but their success will depend on the ability of lawmakers, government officials, and citizens to work together toward a common goal. By seizing this “golden opportunity,” as President Tinubu described it, Nigeria can build a stronger, more inclusive, and more resilient democracy for future generations.
